(CNN) — The distant island nation of Kiribati went into lockdown for the initially time due to the fact the Covid-19 pandemic started two a long time ago soon after dozens of passengers on an intercontinental flight tested good for the virus.

Of a population of just 122,391, only 3 confirmed circumstances experienced been determined in Kirbati ahead of last week’s flight. Which is partly due to the island’s stringent entry controls all through the pandemic and its isolation. Kiribati sits in the center of the Pacific Ocean, 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers) away from North The united states.

Kiribati’s federal government claimed it will enact on Monday a 24-hour curfew in South Tarawa — the major hub of Kiribati — and the nearby township of Beito.

People have to keep household unless they have to leave for vital get the job done, access crisis products and services or shop for foods or other crucial merchandise, the government claimed in its assertion.

No general public transportation will be in operation social gatherings will be banned and all bars and nightclubs will be closed.

Kiribati at the moment demands all men and women to use masks in general public spaces, like on public transportation. There is now a curfew in area from 10 p.m. right up until 5 a.m., and social gatherings are currntly minimal to 10 people.

Kiribati and other Pacific nations had been spared the worst of the pandemic because quite a few states shut their borders overseas nationals shortly following the virus emerged in late 2019.